Water tested finally

[stormywendyann]

:rant2:
It is true. I bought API test strips first thinking they would be easier for me (I did not know any better at the time). I eventually got the API test kit and I was shocked how much higher the readings were on the test kit than the strips. The strips really are not accurate and may make you think that everything is okay when it is not.

It is an excellent idea to take your water to the LFS to get the water tested. I know a lot of people who have done this when an appropriate test kit was not available. I even have a neighbor who comes over and uses mine on her Betta tank.

I also did not realize that this was not the first thread of this type by this author. There are a few simple facts about fishkeeping that cannot be avoided. Large frequent water changes is one of the things that HAVE to be done whether you have plants or not. If you look at the bottom of all my posts there is a comment that living in an aquarium is like living in a sealed outhouse with a smoker. Cracking the window is synonomus with a water change. Fish do not want to be in their own excrement... no living creature does. Water Changes are mandatory if you do nothing else.:shakehead:

 

[Chickadee]

The API freshwater test kits are being sold pretty cheap on Amazon right now, under 20 bucks. In the long run this is way cheaper than buying strips.

 

[stormywendyann]

They are on sale at Amazon for $17.00 now.

 

[Semilla]

Really the liquid test kit is both superior and cheaper. $7 for six tests (or whatever) is at best false economy. The $30 API kit runs many, many tests. If you are planning to keep fish for more than say 6 weeks, the kit will more than pay for itself in no time. Plus, testing can be kinda fun.

Also I often do water changes with fry in breeder nets. Mine are rigged to attach with suction cups, so I just slide it down the glass with the water level.. Then back up.

Sent from my SCH-R930 using MonsterAquariaNetwork App

 

[Vincenia]

The shipping makes it well over 20 dollars close to 30.... and I have to save my money for driving lessons now, which is my whole monthly salary being spent.

 

[MurphysAquarist]

I'm sorry, but I am honestly wondering if you are financially capable of properly caring for your fish at this time.

 

[fineexampl]

check Craigslist. sometimes you can find old test kits.

hell, wish i'd seen this post two weeks ago. i just threw away a full test kit.

 

[jpappy789]

The shipping makes it well over 20 dollars close to 30.... and I have to save my money for driving lessons now, which is my whole monthly salary being spent.

I'm not sure what Walmart's pricing is now or if their policies changed recently, but you used to be able to ship for free to your local store for pickup...and the original price was still around $20 I think.

Like it was said, a liquid test kit is quite possibly the best investment you can make. You need to be saving up for one of these or ask for a "loan" from an adult or something...soon. You were told months ago that you need a LIQUID test kit. Right now, I'm afraid, it just seems like more and more excuses.

 

[Vincenia]

My dad has one but he lost the paper for the messurements and numbers....So I won't get the readings from that test kit. He won't allow me to use it anyway. I do spend money on my fish, I well spent over 300 on supplies such as food, filters, plants and meds for them, but that was over time. I sepnd $20 alone on the carbon refills for my filter, i change the carbon every few weeks and I clean the whole filter out twice a month.

 

[jpappy789]

Well, you have a couple of options....

1) Why wont your dad let you use his test kit? You can find the color cards online...even on AC:
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?62715-test-kit-database-FAQ

2) Figure out a way to budget for your own. For example, carbon inserts for your filter are hardly necessary. Perhaps instead of buying replacements you budget that towards a test kit instead?